25 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset

 25 Ways To Develop a Growth Mindset

What if your true learning potential was undiscovered, or even unknowable at best? What if it was impossible to predict what you might accomplish with just a few years' hard work? Carol Dweck from Stanford says this is not a hypothetical situation that depends on genes or the environment. It's an attitude. This mindset is something that you can cultivate at every stage of your life.

Dweck refers to a "growth mindset" simply as it sounds: it is a belief in your ability to grow. Dweck explains in Mindset, The New Psychology of Success how a "fixed mindset" presumes that our intelligence, character, and creative abilities are static and cannot be changed. A growth mindset is open to challenge and views failures "not as evidence of incompetence but as a motivating springboard for growth."

She writes:

"Believing that your talents are carved into stone gives you an urge to prove yourself. If you only have a limited amount of intelligence, a particular personality, or a certain moral code, then you need to prove it. It wouldn't be right to appear or feel lacking in these essential characteristics.

Dweck warns that having a fixed outlook can adversely impact every aspect of your life.

"I have witnessed so many people who strive to prove themselves in every aspect of their lives, from their work and their relationships, to [in a learning environment]," said Judith. A confirmation of one's intelligence, personality, or character is required for every situation. Every situation needs to be assessed: Will I succeed, or fail? Will I be able to communicate my intelligence or lack thereof? Will I be accepted, or rejected? Will I feel like a winner?

When you see the world as fluid, however, you can see the bigger picture.

"This growth mindset is based upon the belief that your fundamental qualities can be nurtured through your efforts. Even though everyone is unique in their initial talents, aptitudes and interests, each person can grow and change through experience and application.

This is vital because it can make a difference in what you want and what you consider success. Changes in the meaning, significance, and impact on failure can transform the deepest meanings of effort.

With this mindset, whatever hand you get is only the start of development. This mindset can be applied to learning. What can we do to encourage this attitude among our students? Here are some of our recommended practices.

25 Ways To Develop a Growth Mindset

1. Recognize and accept imperfections

If you try to hide your weaknesses, you will never be able to overcome them.

2. See challenges as an opportunity.

To have a growth mindset, you must be open to opportunities for self-improvement. Learn how to fail well.

3. Explore other learning methods.

Learning doesn't come in a single package. It may not work for everyone. Learn more about learning strategies.

4. Follow the research regarding brain plasticity.

The brain doesn't need to be fixed.

5. You can replace the word failure with the word learning.

If you make mistakes or miss a goal, it's not failure. You've learned.

6. Do not seek approval.

You can't grow if you put approval before learning.

7. It is important to value the process more than the end result.

Intelligent people enjoy learning, and they don't mind if it takes longer than expected.

8. Create a sense purpose.

Dweck's research also found that students with a growth mindset have a greater sense purpose. Keep the big picture in view.

9. Enjoy growth with other people

Sharing your growth with others is a way to truly appreciate it.

10. Focus on growth and not speed.

Learning fast is not the same as learning effectively, and sometimes it's necessary to allow mistakes to be made.

11. Rewards actions and not traits

Not just telling students that they are smart but also when you see them doing something.

12. Redefine "genius."

The myth of genius has been debunked: talent is not enough.

13. Portray criticism as positive.

While you don't have the right to use "constructive critic", it is a term that can be used, but you have to believe in this concept.

14. It is important to dissociate improvement from failure.

Don't assume that "room to improve" is synonymous with failure.

15. Offer regular reflection opportunities.

Encourage students to reflect on their learning at minimum once per day.

16. Place effort before talent.

The reward for hard work should be greater than the inherent skill.

17. It is important to emphasize the link between learning, and "braintraining."

The brain can be described as a muscle that must be trained, just like the rest of the body.

18. Grow grit.

Students with a little more determination are more likely to seek out approval from their peers than from others.

19. Give up on the image.

"Naturally smart," sounds as plausible as "spontaneous generations." If you aren't ready to work, it won't happen.

20. Use the term "yet."

Dweck claims that "not yet" is one of her favorite phrases. Just tell students when they struggle with a task that you don't know how to do.

21. Learn from others' mistakes.

Although it may not be wise to compare yourself to other people, it is important that you recognize the common weaknesses among humans.

22. Each goal should be a new goal.

Never stop learning. It doesn't mean that you have to stop studying a subject after your midterm exam. Growth-minded people are able to continually set new goals to keep them stimulated.

23. Take chances with other people.

Do not try to save your face constantly. Just let yourself have a little fun now and again. It will be easier to take chances in the future.

24. You must be realistic about the time and effort required.

Learning takes time. You can't expect to be able to grasp every topic on the planet in one go.

25. Be proud of how you look.

Develop a growth mindset and you will own it. You are a person who has a growth mindset. Be proud of it throughout your educational career. A UNIQUE STATE OF MINDSET